Man City, Man United Face Off at Beijing's Bird's Nest July 25

It will be a Manchester derby in Beijing July 25 at the National Stadium (Bird's Nest), as Manchester United will play Manchester City in a pre-season friendly, United announced Wednesday.

The two Manchester sides – among the English Premier League's (EPL) best-funded teams and one of its most bitter local rivalries – will meet in China for the first time, although both have played in Beijing before. Manchester City most recently beat Arsenal 2-0 on July 27, 2012, also at the National Stadium. Manchester United last came to Beijing in 2005.

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Exactly who will play in Beijing in July is uncertain, with the Euro 2016 European championships running from June 10-July 10, and many top players likely wanting some rest before the new EPL season begins on August 6. However, the match will be one of, if not the first, match that Manchester City will play with current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola as manager, and could also be the first match for Manchester United with a new manager, possibly Jose Mourinho.

Tickets are not yet on sale. United will also play Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on July 22.

Manchester United defeated Manchester City on March 20, 1-0, in the most recent EPL derby at the City of Manchester Stadium.

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Photo: SF Gate